Generally speaking, it is possible to use a waterway without going to a marina. In the past, I've had to warn a boater who was about to drop anchor in a protected area between Île aux Cerfs and Île de Jeannotte. It's a pretty spot, protected from waves and other boats. He thought it was fine to drop anchor there, but it's a protected area. It is home to an aquatic-grass bed that is crucial to copper redhorse. You can't drop anchor there, but you can do it next to the area. Keep in mind that the Richelieu River is 130 kilometres long. If you take away the channels and the Chambly Basin, you have 100 kilometres or so where you can cast anchor with no issues.
On October 31st, 2024. See this statement in context.